Athlete's Foot​

Foot fungus - best known by its widely accepted street name Athlete’s Foot - is a common infection that affects the skin on and around the toes and the soles of the feet and produces a variety of symptoms including red, scaly feet, intense itching, and burning. Like any other fungal infection - including toenail fungus - foot fungus can range from mild to severe and can be challenging to treat.

What does foot fungus look like?

In most cases, those who suffer from foot fungus feel - rather than see - their infection first. Such an infection is categorized by itching skin on the sole and the toes of the foot (especially between the toes), which can be both uncomfortable and relentless. As the infection progresses, those with foot fungus will notice scaling, cracking, and even painful blistering of the skin.

How do you get foot fungus?

Foot fungus thrives in moist environments which is why it’s so easy to contract. Staying long periods of time in sweaty or tight fitting socks and shoes can just as easily promote the growth of fungi as the warm wet environments of public spaces such as swimming pools, gyms, and showers.

Most important to note is the fact that foot fungus is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from one person to the next - making communal spaces fantastic breeding grounds for the spread of fungi.

How do you treat foot fungus?

Topical and sometimes oral treatments are often required to eliminate foot fungus. Luckily, most topical ointments necessary for treatment are easily available over-the-counter. It is also recommended that medical treatment be combined with proper - and frequent - cleansing and thorough drying of the feet to promote faster healing.

However, foot fungus can be stubborn to treat and it may be necessary to use medication for an extended period of time. Because of the challenges associated with treating foot fungus, prevention becomes just as important as treatment. Keeping feet clean and dry at all times, changing shoes and socks often, and wearing shoes in public areas can be very effective in preventing the spread of foot fungus.Fungal infection that affects the fingernails (and also the toes) is also known by its medical term onychomycosis and is the cause of discoloration, thickening, splitting and cracking of the nail. The symptoms of fingernail fungus can range from mild to severe, uncomfortable to painful. And, while toenail fungus can easily be hidden behind the cover of shoes, fingernail fungus is visible, adding a psychological element for sufferers. In addition to being uncomfortable - and sometimes painful - fingernail fungus can be an embarrassing ailment that can easily interfere with the sufferer’s daily activities. More importantly, fingernail fungus can quickly spread if left untreated and cause additional health risks.

What Does Fingernail Fungus Look Like?

Those who suffer from fingernail fungus may first notice the nail becoming dull - without the shine typically associated with the nails. Eventually there may be some discoloration of the nails - white, yellow, and even darker - which may start as a few spots of discoloration and spread as the fungal infection continues to thrive. Other symptoms include the thickening of the nail causing it to have an abnormal shape, crumbling and cracking of the nail, and the separation of the nail from the skin. When fingernail fungus reaches this advanced stage, sufferers may even notice a slightly unpleasant odor associated with their nails.

What Causes Fingernail Fungus?

Because fungi grows most comfortably - and aggressively - in warm, moist environments, toenail fungus is far more common than fingernail fungus (as it’s difficult to compete with shoes and socks for a more appropriate breeding ground).

Small lacerations near the nails can allow fungi to enter in any environment but those who work with their hands in water on an ongoing bases are more prone to fingernail fungus, as are those with compromised immune systems and poor circulation.

How Do You Treat Fingernail Fungus?

Fingernail fungus is treated exactly the same as toenail fungus. Visit our home page for the best treatments available. While there are home remedies that have been shown to have some success with fingernail fungus, it is often best to stick with the products designed to treat the condition. If the fungal infection becomes serious, seeking medical treatment is advised to avoid any potential health issues going forward.

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